In today’s digital era, acquiring coding skills has become increasingly vital for young minds, as these skills are not only essential for future career opportunities but also foster creativity and problem-solving abilities. Middle schoolers, in particular, are at an ideal stage to embark on their coding journey. It’s during this phase that their cognitive development is at a point where they can grasp the fundamental concepts of programming effectively.
In this article, we will explore the top 13 online coding classes tailored specifically for middle school students. These classes have been carefully selected to cater to students at all levels of familiarity with coding. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some prior experience, there’s a coding class on our list that’s suitable for them.
Why middle school, you might ask? Beginning at this age strikes a balance that’s neither too early nor too late. It’s the perfect time to introduce students to coding because they have developed the cognitive abilities to understand complex concepts, but they are still in their formative years, making it easier for them to adapt and excel in this critical skill.
However, it’s important to recognize that not all coding programs are created equal. Some are tailored for younger children, while others are designed with teenagers in mind. To ensure your child’s success in learning to code, it’s essential to choose a program that aligns with their age, skill level, and learning style. In this article, we will help you navigate the options available and find the perfect online coding class for your middle schooler, setting them on a path to unlock their full coding potential.
Check out this article explaining how a middle school teacher now uses coding as a teaching method for some of her classes! 💻https://t.co/5ayO1oNY5M#Coding #BlockCoding #STEM #DLZPGroup #MiddleSchool #Robotics #ComputerSoftware #Technology #ComputerScience #StudentEngagement pic.twitter.com/0vZz4fUKUr
— DLZP Group (@dlzpgroup) April 25, 2022
What you’ll find on this page:
- The Benefits of Coding for Middle Schoolers→
- 13 Best Online Coding Classes for Middle Schoolers:
- Web Design
- Python
- Scratch Programming
- Accelerated Scratch Class
- Smart Devices: Arduino
- Modern Website Design with Wix Class
- Unity Game Development Class
- HTML/CSS Foundations
- Roblox Coding (Beginner)
- Python Programming (Beginner)
- Project-Based C++ for Beginners
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) : Machine Learning Programming
- JavaScript
- Conclusion →
The Benefits of Coding for Middle Schoolers
Coding offers a myriad of advantages to middle school students. Let’s delve into why introducing coding to middle schoolers can be so beneficial:
- Essential Life Skill: Coding is increasingly considered an essential life skill in today’s digital age. By learning to code early, middle schoolers acquire a valuable skill that can serve them well in their future careers and daily lives.
- Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills: Coding fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Middle schoolers who engage in coding projects learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps and develop innovative solutions.
- Bridging Multiple Subjects: Coding transcends traditional subject boundaries. It can be integrated into various subjects, such as math, science, and language arts, amplifying the learning experience and making these subjects more engaging.
- Encouraging Creativity: Coding empowers middle schoolers to express their creativity. They can design interactive games, build websites, or create digital art, allowing them to explore their artistic side while developing technical skills.
- Future-Proofing: In a world where technology is ever-evolving, middle school students who learn to code are better prepared to adapt to new technological advancements and seize future job opportunities.
- Building Confidence: As middle schoolers tackle coding challenges and witness their projects come to life, they gain confidence in their abilities. This newfound self-assurance extends beyond coding and positively impacts their overall academic performance.
- Promoting Collaboration: Coding often involves teamwork and collaboration, helping middle schoolers develop essential social and communication skills as they work on group coding projects.
- Career Opportunities: Introducing coding at this age can spark an interest in tech-related careers. Middle schoolers exposed to coding may explore careers in programming, web development, cybersecurity, and more.
- Preparing for the Digital Age: Middle schoolers who learn coding are better equipped to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. They understand how technology works and can make informed decisions in the digital realm.
In this video, Krish Mehra, an 11-year-old currently in the sixth grade, discusses the significance of children learning programming as a means to drive the future of innovation. Krish became intrigued by coding at the age of eight, and he aims to emphasize the importance of this skill for kids.
Before we dive into the in-depth course descriptions, let’s glance at a summary table that provides information about the target audience for each course.
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Now, let’s take a closer examination of each course.
13 Best Online Coding Classes for Middle Schoolers
Here, you will gain insight into what each course covers, its intended audience, pricing, and technical prerequisites.
1. Web Design
Web Design is a comprehensive course designed to teach students the fundamentals of website design and layout. Through this course, participants will acquire the skills needed to create their own webpages using HTML5 and CSS3.
The course emphasizes the creation of web content rich in text, images, videos, and more. Whether you’re a young student or an adult looking to delve into the practical and marketable discipline of computer science, Web Design is the perfect starting point.
Grade Level: Suitable for students of all ages
Price:
- $390 per semester
- $49 per individual class
Duration: Flexible term options
Level of Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, no prior web development experience required
Technical Requirements: Access to Google Meet for course location
What You Will Learn:
- The foundations of website design and layout
- Proficiency in HTML5 and CSS3
- Creating web content with text, images, videos, and more
- Understanding the theory behind web design
- Practical experience in designing your own webpage
Best For:
- Young students interested in web design
- Individuals of any age looking to learn a marketable computer science discipline
- Career switchers
- Part-time design hobbyists
- Anyone seeking a creative outlet or exploring a new profession in web design
2. Python
The Python Online course at Coditum is a dynamic and versatile coding education opportunity suitable for individuals of all ages and experience levels. Python, known for its user-friendly syntax, is an ideal programming language for both beginners and experienced coders.
This course empowers students to dive into the world of computer programming with confidence and ease. Python’s widespread usage in the coding community makes it a valuable language to master, offering a simplified path to understanding programming concepts.
Grade Level: All ages
Price: $49 per class
Duration: Flexible term options
Level of Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, no prior coding experience required
Technical Requirements: Access to Google Meet for course location
What You Will Learn:
- Python programming fundamentals
- Understanding Python’s simplified syntax
- Problem-solving and coding skills
- Real-world applications of Python in coding projects
Best For:
- Beginners eager to learn programming
- Students of all ages looking to start their coding journey
- Individuals seeking to explore a versatile and widely used programming language
3. Scratch Programming
The Scratch Programming course introduces students in grades 6-8 to the exciting world of computer science through the use of Scratch, a user-friendly graphical programming language developed at MIT. In this engaging course, students will embark on a journey of creativity, learning how to create animations, computer games, and interactive projects.
As they progress through the course, students will build a solid foundation in programming concepts, including variables, loops, conditional statements, and event handling. They will apply these concepts to fun and interactive activities, such as teaching a mischievous cat to dance, exploring mazes, and creating games using math and computer code. Students will also have the opportunity to make and import objects, create audio recordings, and incorporate them into their projects.
No prior programming experience is necessary for this course, but students should be comfortable with standard computer operations. The course is individually paced, allowing students to learn at their own speed, and it’s designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to programming through Scratch.
Grade Level: Grades 6-8
Price: $955
Duration: Up to 4.5 months of access
Level of Difficulty: CTY-Level (suitable for middle school students)
Technical Requirements: Standard computer operations
What You Will Learn:
- Programming fundamentals (variables, loops, conditional statements, event handling)
- Creating and controlling sprites using Scratch blocks
- Applying graphic effects and creating custom sprites, backgrounds, and costumes
- Adding sound and music to sprites
- Simple drawing techniques
- Using sensing blocks to interact with user input
- Broadcasting and triggering scripts based on input
- Utilizing variables for data storage and arithmetic operations
- Incorporating random numbers for interactive gameplay
Best For:
- Middle school students (Grades 6-8) interested in computer science and programming
- Beginners with no prior programming experience
- Those looking to develop essential programming and problem-solving skills in a creative and engaging way
4. Accelerated Scratch Class
The Accelerated Scratch Class is a fast-paced introductory coding program designed for students in grades 5-9 who are eager to explore the world of coding and computer science.
This course provides an exciting and engaging opportunity for middle schoolers and high schoolers to dive into Scratch, a popular programming platform, and develop their coding skills rapidly. Over the course of three parts, students will not only learn fundamental coding concepts but also have the chance to create impressive projects, including games, animations, and stories.
Grade Level: Grades 5-9 (Middle schoolers and high schoolers)
Price: Free
Duration: 55 minutes per session
Level of Difficulty: Suitable for beginners
Technical Requirements: Live online class format, access to the internet and a computer or device
What You Will Learn:
Part 1 – Accelerated Scratch 1:
- Foundational computer science and coding concepts
- Topics include loops, conditionals, variables, and sensing
- Creation of various projects, including animations, games, graphic designs, and storytelling
- Encouragement of creativity, problem-solving, and deeper computer science understanding
Part 2 – Accelerated Scratch 2:
- Advanced coding concepts in Scratch
- Exploration of features like functions and lists
- Introduction to concepts such as cloning
- Development of relatively complex projects, including animations, games, and storytelling
- Emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Part 3 – Accelerated Scratch 3 (Advanced):
- Integration of all previously learned coding concepts and Scratch features
- Building of very complex and advanced Scratch projects
- Implementation of tools from Accelerated Scratch 1 & 2
- Option to create a unique game with guidance from the instructor
Best For:
- Middle school students and high school students (Grades 5-9)
- Beginners who are new to coding and want a fast-paced learning experience
- Those looking to boost their confidence and interest in coding
- Students seeking to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and a solid foundation in computer science through practical projects
5. Smart Devices: Arduino
The Smart Devices: Arduino is an exciting educational journey designed for students in grades 4-9 who are eager to explore the world of smart devices and electronics. This course empowers young learners to delve into the fascinating realm of circuits and Arduino, the foundation of smart devices.
By combining hands-on circuit design with coding, students will gain practical experience in creating and programming electronic systems, setting the stage for real-world adventures with technology.
Grade Level: Grades 4-9
Price: Varies; Arduino starter kit recommended (approximately $40)
Duration: 55 minutes per session
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate (Basic coding experience required)
Technical Requirements:
- Computer with Chrome Browser
- Mechanical mouse (preferred)
- Tablets are not suitable for the class
- Arduino is recommended but not required
What You Will Learn:
Part 1 – Smart Devices: Arduino for Kids 1:
- Basics of electronics
- Circuit creation and design
- Use of resistors and introduction to Ohm’s law
- Building simple electronic projects and experiments
- Coding Arduino for smart devices
Part 2 – Smart Devices: Arduino for Kids 2:
- Advanced circuits for smart devices and games
- Exploration of digital vs. analog electronics
- Control of servos and sensors
- Enhanced coding skills, including text-based coding
Part 3 – Smart Devices: Arduino for Kids 3:
- Integration of previous learnings into sophisticated electronics systems
- Building projects such as Home Automations, Light Show, and Smart Cars
- Transition to text-based coding for more advanced logic
- Preparation for higher-level programming languages like Python
Best For:
- Students in grades 4-9 interested in electronics, circuits, and smart devices
- Those with basic coding experience (understanding concepts such as conditional, loop, variable, and events)
- Young learners looking to explore the world of physical systems and electronics in a fun and interactive way
- Students aspiring to build their coding and electronics skills through hands-on projects
6. Modern Website Design with Wix Class
The Modern Website Design with Wix Class offers middle and high school students an engaging opportunity to develop stunning and professional-looking websites using the popular website builder, Wix.
This course is designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful websites that can serve a variety of purposes, from personal portfolios to community projects and even online stores. With a focus on project-based learning, students will build a portfolio of websites, showcasing their creativity and technical expertise.
Grade Level: Grades 5-12 (Middle and high school students)
Price: Varies; check the course website for pricing details
Duration: 75 minutes per session
Level of Difficulty: Suitable for beginners with some coding and design background
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with a Chrome browser
- No specific prerequisites required, but some prior coding and design experience can be beneficial
What You Will Learn:
Part 1 – Modern Website Design With Wix 1:
- Fundamentals of web design
- Core features of WIX
- Creating a website flow with WIX
- Customizing templates for better design
- Editing and customizing images and design components
- Website structure and navigation with multiple pages
- Adding complex components like maps
- Allowing site visitors to submit information
- Building three websites highlighting topics of interest
Part 2 – Modern Website Design with Wix 2:
- Building more powerful websites
- Enhancing website aesthetics with color and design elements
- Designing user-friendly website flows
- Enabling payment options for fundraising, ticket sales, or product sales
- Preparing to create professional websites for businesses and organizations
- Exploring key areas for large-scale website development
Best For:
- Middle and high school students interested in web design and development
- Beginners with a passion for creating websites
- Students with some coding and design experience (beneficial but not required)
- Those looking to build a portfolio of websites for personal or community use
7. Unity Game Development Class
The Unity Game Development Class is an exciting opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to dive into the world of game development using Unity, one of the most popular game engines globally.
This course equips young learners with the skills and knowledge required to create engaging 2D and 3D games. Whether it’s building a 2D platformer or exploring the realms of 3D game development, this class provides a comprehensive understanding of game design and programming.
Grade Level: Grades 6-12
Price: Varies; check the course website for pricing details
Duration: 70 minutes per session
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate (Basic knowledge of text-based coding required, e.g., Python, Javascript, or Java)
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with the Unity software installed (Unity is free)
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to the Unity ecosystem
- Building basic 2D and 3D games from scratch
- Behavioral and object scripting in C#
- Game development techniques for independent developers and AAA studios
- Asset management and modification
- Designing core games in 2D and 3D: 2D Platformer, 3D FPS, 3D 3rd Person
- Inputs and character controllers
- Rewards, inventory, and user interface
- Publishing games and the development cycle
- Reviewing and remixing well-designed games
Best For:
- Middle and high school students interested in game development
- Those with a basic understanding of text-based coding (Python, Javascript, or Java)
- Students looking to explore the Unity game engine and its capabilities
- Aspiring game developers who want to create 2D and 3D games
- Young learners eager to build practical skills in game design and programming
8. HTML/CSS Foundations
The HTML/CSS Foundations course is an excellent opportunity for young learners aged 12 to 17 to dive into the world of web development. This foundational course introduces the fundamental technologies of HTML and CSS, which are the building blocks of websites and web-based applications. HTML defines the structure of web content, while CSS determines the layout, design, colors, graphics, and animations of web pages.
Throughout this course, students will embark on a journey of discovery as they work through 40 short lessons at their own pace, with the support of an instructor. The student-led approach empowers learners to build multi-page websites tailored to their interests. This engaging course provides a strong foundation in HTML and CSS, setting the stage for future web development endeavors.
Grade Level: Ages 12-17
Price: Free (according to the provided link)
Duration: Self-paced
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with internet connectivity
- Basic text editor for coding (e.g., Notepad)
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to HTML and CSS
- Building web pages and web-based applications
- Defining web content structure using HTML
- Styling web pages with CSS for layout, design, and aesthetics
- Creating multi-page websites
Best For:
- Students aged 12 to 17
- Beginners with no prior web development experience
- Aspiring web developers and designers
- Those interested in creating their own websites
- Self-paced learners looking for a structured introduction to HTML and CSS
9. Roblox Coding (Beginner)
The Roblox Coding (Beginner) course is designed for young learners between the ages of 9 and 13 who are eager to explore the world of game development and coding using the popular platform, Roblox. In this beginner-level course, students will embark on an exciting journey to learn the fundamentals of coding while creating their unique customizations within the Roblox universe.
Through the use of the Lua scripting language and Roblox Studio, students will gain hands-on experience in coding and game development. They will learn how to bring their creative ideas to life, customize their own Roblox experiences, and understand the basics of game design.
Grade Level: Ages 9-13 years
Price: Semester cost is $365
Duration: 8 classes
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with internet connectivity
- Download and install Roblox Studio on your computer
- What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to coding and game development
- Using the Lua scripting language for programming
- Navigating and utilizing Roblox Studio
- Creating customizations and unique experiences in the Roblox world
Best For:
- Children aged 9 to 13 with an interest in game development
- Beginners with little to no coding experience
- Those excited to learn through hands-on game development
- Students who enjoy the Roblox platform and want to customize their gaming experiences
10. Python Programming (Beginner)
The Python Programming | Beginner | course is an exciting opportunity for 13-18-year-olds to dive into the world of programming using the Python language.
Designed for beginners, this 12-week course aims to teach the fundamentals of Python programming from the ground up, making learning to code an enjoyable and engaging experience.
Grade Level: 13-18 year olds
Price: $17 per week (Charged weekly)
Duration: 12 weeks
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with an internet connection
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to programming and Python
- Building programming skills from the basics to more complex programs
- Understanding variables and data structures like lists, dictionaries, and tuples
- Working with conditional statements for data sorting
- Handling user input and utilizing loops
Best For:
- Teens aged 13-18 who want to learn Python programming
- Beginners with little to no coding experience
- Students who prefer a flexible learning schedule
- Those interested in building a strong foundation in programming
11. Project-Based C++ for Beginners
The Project-Based C++ for Beginners course is an exciting opportunity for 11-15-year-olds to embark on a coding journey using one of the most popular programming languages, C++.
Designed for beginners, this course focuses on hands-on projects to introduce students to the world of software engineering, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Grade Level: 11-15 year olds
Price: $219 (Charged upfront) or $22 per class
Duration: Over 10 weeks
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Technical Requirements:
- Access to a computer with an internet connection
- Setting up a https://repl.it/ account
- What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to C++ programming language
- Hands-on projects to reinforce learning
- Development of problem-solving and coding skills
- Completion of a final project with students’ unique ideas
- Some quizzes for at-home practice
Best For:
- 11-15-year-olds interested in programming and coding
- Beginners with little to no coding experience
- Students who enjoy project-based learning
- Those looking to explore the world of software engineering, data science, machine learning, and AI
12. Artificial Intelligence (AI) : Machine Learning Programming
The Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine Learning Programming course offers an immersive and hands-on experience in AI, allowing 9-14-year-olds to dive into the world of AI through practical, real-world applications.
Over the course of 10 sessions, totaling 15 hours, students will engage in AI training and programming to create exciting AI projects.
Grade Level: 9-14 year olds
Price: $300 (Charged upfront) or $30 per class
Duration: Over 1 week, with 10 sessions
Level of Difficulty: Suitable for beginners
Technical Requirements:
- Internet browser (Google Chrome recommended)
- What You Will Learn:
- Hands-on experience in AI training and programming
- Building AI projects, including games and virtual assistants
- Developing programs for language, image, and number recognition
- Collecting and using data to train the IBM Watson machine learning computer
- Understanding the implications, limitations, and improvements of AI results
Best For:
- 9-14-year-olds interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Beginners looking to explore AI through hands-on projects
- Those who enjoy coding and programming
- Students who want to create real-world AI applications
13. JavaScript
JavaScript is a powerful programming language that fuels the interactivity of websites across the internet. This course offers learners aged 10-19 the opportunity to dive into the world of JavaScript, whether they are beginners or have advanced coding skills.
By mastering JavaScript, you can create dynamic and engaging websites, explore robotics, and even delve into game design.
Grade Level: Ages 10-19
Price: Starting at $60 per lesson
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Format: Online Private Lessons | 1-on-1
Duration: Choose from 1, 4, 8, or 12 lessons, with each lesson lasting 1 hour
Technical Requirements: Access to a computer and the internet
What You Will Learn:
- How to use JavaScript to create programs
- Creating and manipulating variables
- Building functions and applying conditions
- Solving programming challenges using logic and coding skills
Best For:
- Aspiring web developers and programmers
- Students interested in creating interactive websites
- Those looking to explore robotics and game design
- Beginners to advanced learners seeking JavaScript proficiency
Useful Resources
- Best Coding Tools for Middle School
- How do you make coding fun for middle schoolers?
- Fun and Easy Middle School Coding Projects for Beginners
Conclusion
In conclusion, online coding classes for middle schoolers offer a gateway to a world of opportunities. These courses not only impart valuable coding skills but also nurture creativity and problem-solving abilities. As the demand for technology professionals continues to grow, middle school students can gain a competitive edge by enrolling in the right coding class. Explore the options mentioned in this article and set your child on the path to a bright future in the digital age.
Simona Johnes is the visionary being the creation of our project. Johnes spent much of her career in the classroom working with students. And, after many years in the classroom, Johnes became a principal.
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